Thousands filled the streets of Taipei on Saturday for Taiwan Pride, one of Asia’s largest annual events celebrating inclusivity and gender equality.
Many attendees dressed in colourful costumes, carrying flags and banners supporting LGBTQIA+ rights, and several had travelled from other Asian countries, including Vietnam, Hong Kong, and Japan, to join the festivities.
Taiwan is known as a progressive leader in Asia when it comes to gender rights, especially after becoming the first in the region to legalise same-sex marriage in 2019 following a dedicated campaign by LGBTQIA+ advocates.
Coinciding with Halloween, the parade saw participants embracing the festive spirit, with some costumes designed to serve both events.
“More and more people come to participate in the parade every year,” said one attendee, Daniel, who wore a winged centaur costume with vampire teeth. He chose to share only his first name due to concerns about social stigma. “Gender equality… is very important, especially in Asia where there are still many conservative countries. Taiwan is relatively democratic and free, so everyone comes to Taiwan to participate in the parade for gender equality and speak up for equal rights,” he added.
New Zealand-born drag performer Nick Van Halderen, now based in Taipei, expressed joy at reconnecting with friends from the region, saying, “I feel like after COVID, it’s just very special to have everyone come from overseas again. It still feels like quite a novelty.”
Taiwan Pride started in 2003 with just 700 people gathered in a central Taipei park, most wearing masks to avoid identification. This year’s organisers aimed to provide a safe, welcoming environment where everyone could freely express themselves.
